Others suggested that Skelton had “forgotten her trousers” – and even went so far as to accuse her of “distracting” them from events in the pool.

Now, however, a number of viewers have taken to Twitter to defend the 33-year-old against the backlash – and point out the flaws in the misogynist argument levelled against her.

One wrote: "If you're struggling to concentrate on the sport because a woman has a pair of legs, it says more about you than her ."

Another added: "So Helen Skelton is being lynch-mobbed for wearing shorts. This reminds me of the time that male presenter was . . . oh no, wait!"

Others pointed out that Foster's ensemble was just as revealing as Skelton's - and that, as the presenters were sat just in front of a pool filled with men in swimming costumes, the entire argument was a moot point.

Others simply focused on the fact that, in sweltering heat, people should be allowed to wear whatever they need to wear to feel comfortable.

Helen Skelton has attracted a large number of loyal fans after taking part in a number of extreme charity challenges, from reaching the South Pole on a bicycle to walking a tightrope between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station.

She has yet to comment on the criticism she received over her outfit.

Image: Getty

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Kayleigh Dray

Kayleigh Dray is Stylist’s digital editor-at-large. Her specialist topics include comic books, films, TV and feminism. On a weekend, you can usually find her drinking copious amounts of tea and playing boardgames with her friends.